GOVPH

UNESCO Designates yApayaos Biosphere Reserve in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Agadir, Morocco, 05 July 2024 – During the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council, the governing body of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme held in Agadir, Morocco, from 02 to 05 July 2024, UNESCO approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves including the yApayaos Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countries. 
Biosphere reserves are an essential component of UNESCO's mandate as the United Nations’ organization for the sciences. Each biosphere reserve promotes innovative local sustainable development solutions, protects biodiversity, and addresses climate disruption. They also support local and Indigenous communities through practices such as agro-ecology, water management, and the generation of green income. 
Biosphere reserves contribute to helping achieve the targets set by States upon the adoption of the  Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022, which includes designating 30% of the Earth’s land and marine surface as protected areas and restoring 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems by 2030.
The yApayaos Biosphere Reserve in the Province of Apayao is divided into two distinct regions: Upper Apayao, with its rugged terrain, towering peaks, plateaus, and valleys, and Lower Apayao, featuring flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus. Stretching 180 km, the majestic Apayao River serves as a vital watershed, nurturing 18 tributaries across the province.
"Yapayaos" encompasses both the people and the diverse flora and fauna living in the area. The region is home to various ethnolinguistic groups and ten Indigenous Cultural Communities whose traditions and laws are deeply intertwined with the land and its resources. Notably, the Isnag/Isneg community, which constitutes 30 percent of the population, upholds the Lapat system, a unique customary practice regulating the use of natural resources and protection of the environment. 
Recognized for its ecological significance, Apayao harbors the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area, which has high levels of endemism and serves as a refuge for critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). 
The population of 124,366 engages primarily in rice and corn cultivation. However, ecotourism is progressing in the province. The biosphere reserve spans 3,960 km².

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*Excerpts from UNESCO Press Release dated 05 July 2024

 Mt. Kilang in Calanasan, Apayao. Photo courtesy of the PTSO

Meeting at the Philippine Embassy

27 June 2024, Paris PE - Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega  met with General Jose Manuel Montull, National Chief of the  Central Office for Combating Illegal Work and Labor Exploitation to discuss labor policies in France

RERB HEARING-15July2024

Please click the link below to view the full list:

https://parispe.dfa.gov.ph/files/LIST_OF_APPLICANTS_FOR_POSTING-PC2024-04-01-2024-06-30_FRPA_01_2024-07-01_174151985.pdf

The 163rd Rizal Birth Anniversary

RIZAL IN PARIS: CELEBRATING THE BIRTH & LIFE OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO
23 June 2024

In commemoration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, Paris-based Rizal groups, along with the Philippine Embassy in France, conducted on 23 June 2024 a solemn ceremony before his bust at

Place Jose Rizal in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The said date also aligns with the 2nd anniversary of the inauguration of the bust, the first and only statue of a Filipino figure in a public space in France. 

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West joins the celebration of Paris-based Rizal groups at Place Jose Rizal.

Groups such as the Knights of Rizal Paris Chapter, Dimasalang Île de France Chapter, Elias Paris Chapter, Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Ladies of Rizal International, and Las Damas de Rizal, gathered to deliver their messages in honor of the national hero. Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever Mahilum-West, also graced the event and partook in the wreath-laying ceremony. The Ambassador enjoined the groups to continue inspiring fellow Filipinos to uplift the image of the Philippines and Filipino society  as a nation and continue Dr. Jose Rizal’s legacy of love for the country. 

Mr. Catalino Oabel, Jr., Area Commander of the Knights of Rizal, welcomed attendees to the ceremony   

The Ambassador also thanked the Rizalist community for their unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and upkeep of the national hero’s historical marker, which symbolizes the Filipino heritage in France. The Embassy continues its coordination efforts with the Mairie of Paris to ensure that any transgressions against the bust are duly reported and addressed.

A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust in honor of his 163rd birth anniversary and the 2nd anniversary of the marker’s inauguration. Attendees sang patriotic songs such as Bayan Ko and Pilipinas Kong Mahal during the wreath-laying ceremony. A brunch followed the ceremony in a nearby café where the groups discussed future programs and initiatives with the Philippine Embassy.  

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